The highlight of our visit to Brussels was a visit to the European Parliament. Representation in the Parliament has increased greatly since my first visit there in 1992. 27countries with 736 elected MEP’s – 12 from Ireland and 3 from Northern Ireland along with the Commissioners make up the parliament. There was full attendance as the Common Agricultural Policy was launched on that day, the 12th October 2011. It was pointed out that the E.U. played an important role in the ‘Peace Process’ in Northern Ireland. It provided funds for Peace and Reconciliation. A template based on the process is now used in other areas of conflict in the world.
We heard José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission address parliament. He highlighted the fierce divisions that still exist among European officials and among national capitals over the way forward in helping European banks and how to boost the rescue funds. He stressed that Europe had to come up with a radical policy to inject conf
idence into the Euro. “Solidarity among all countries in the E.U. was the only way forward. We must listen to European citizens as they wonder will Europe protect their savings? Yes they will”. He was very impressive and his speech merited several rounds of applause.
idence into the Euro. “Solidarity among all countries in the E.U. was the only way forward. We must listen to European citizens as they wonder will Europe protect their savings? Yes they will”. He was very impressive and his speech merited several rounds of applause.
Brussels center
starts at the famous Grand-Place. It has truly splendid monuments - architectural masterpieces. It was once the busy commercial center for selling meat, bread, pepper, herrings, spices, butter and charcoal. It probably ranks among one of the most beautiful squares in the world – the gold lea
f facades of the various buildings that surround the square glow in the sun. The imposing Gothic edifice of the Cathedral of St Michael towers into the sky. Galleries Saint Hubert, off the square, is an attractive complex of glass-vaulted arcades housing restaurants and boutiques where my fellow travellers spent time shopping. A visit to Brussels famous mascot is a must. The Manneken- Pis - the little boy blithely relieving himself into a fountain in full military dress, is a symbol of the city’s happy defiance of an often hostile world. It puts you in perfect mood to approach this city with a sense of humour before you wander about to view the more solemn monuments.
starts at the famous Grand-Place. It has truly splendid monuments - architectural masterpieces. It was once the busy commercial center for selling meat, bread, pepper, herrings, spices, butter and charcoal. It probably ranks among one of the most beautiful squares in the world – the gold lea
f facades of the various buildings that surround the square glow in the sun. The imposing Gothic edifice of the Cathedral of St Michael towers into the sky. Galleries Saint Hubert, off the square, is an attractive complex of glass-vaulted arcades housing restaurants and boutiques where my fellow travellers spent time shopping. A visit to Brussels famous mascot is a must. The Manneken- Pis - the little boy blithely relieving himself into a fountain in full military dress, is a symbol of the city’s happy defiance of an often hostile world. It puts you in perfect mood to approach this city with a sense of humour before you wander about to view the more solemn monuments.
We stopped briefly at the Atomium the city’s most spectacular la
ndmark. It is in the shape of the Atom and hold restaurants museums and exhibition halls. An elevator takes you to the revolving restaurant at the top.
ndmark. It is in the shape of the Atom and hold restaurants museums and exhibition halls. An elevator takes you to the revolving restaurant at the top.
We stayed at the Plaza Hotel in Antwerp in the district of the Haspanic Jews. The high light was a visit to the Kathedraal that holds several of Rubens masterpieces - The descent of Christ’s body from the cross, the Assumption and the Raising of the Cross at Calvary as well as magnificent stain glass windows. This is a delightful city with open-air cafés, restaurants and quirky little shops selling lace, chocolates, and diamonds alongside designer boutiques.
We were not be disappointed when we visited this magnificent city of Bruges. It was the only city to have survived bombing in both World Wars. It was a German general who saved Bruges from bombing. A fortress was built here for Count Baldwin 1 fighting off the Norman threat to the State of his father in law Charles Bald, King of France. Administrative buildings and sanctuaries were later added and today, in what is virtually an open–air museum, nine centuries of architecture may be admired.
Every corner you turn of these magnificent narrow cobbled streets a stunning building greets you. We visited the Basilica of the Precious Blood, off the main square. In 1149 a Flemish Knight returning from the Second Crusade to the Holy Land brought with him a crystal phial believed to contain some drops of Christ’s blood. The public venerated this relic all over medieval Europe. A woman dressed in priestly garments allowed us to place our hand on the relic that is held in a gold and silver reliquary for protection.
Every corner you turn of these magnificent narrow cobbled streets a stunning building greets you. We visited the Basilica of the Precious Blood, off the main square. In 1149 a Flemish Knight returning from the Second Crusade to the Holy Land brought with him a crystal phial believed to contain some drops of Christ’s blood. The public venerated this relic all over medieval Europe. A woman dressed in priestly garments allowed us to place our hand on the relic that is held in a gold and silver reliquary for protection.
We toured the canals – a great way to appreciate the splendour of this amazingly beautiful city. We visited the the Church of our Lady which is almost like a warehouse of religious artworks and treasures – the chief among which is “The Madonna and Child by Michelangelo sculpted from Carrara marble. A merchant brought it in the 15th century from Italy. Twice the French and Germans stole it. It was found in a salt mine in Austria after the war in 1945 by the Americans and given back to the city of Bruges. In the churches we visited we saw the statues clothed in magnificent robes – this was influenced from Spain as Belgium was onc
e occupied by 
Spain.
e occupied by 
Spain.
We had a terrific guide on this trip – Ciarán who was informative, caring and above all witty and sarcastic. Joke after joke was exchanged, tears of laughter streamed down our faces – everyone was at the butt of his jokes! “Youse are the best group I ever had” was his mantra. We can honestly say “Youse were the best guide we ever had Ciarán”!!
Mary Kyne